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Magpie to work with Salvos after alleged assault

Matt Murnane

Collingwood's Marley Williams made an impressive start to his career last season, playing six matches before being struck down by a season-ending shoulder injury. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

Collingwood has decided on its club-imposed punishment for defender Marley Williams for his alleged role in a late-night scuffle in Albany between the Christmas and New Year period.

Williams, who was charged with assault as a consequence of the incident in his hometown in Western Australia, has agreed to work with the Salvation Army for the next 10 weeks.

The 19-year-old is scheduled to appear at a committal hearing in Albany next week.

Although the matter is still to play out in court, Collingwood football director Geoff Walsh said Williams was disappointed that he put himself in a position to be drawn into the incident, and wanted to make up for his mistake.

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Williams and his team-mates, as well as the club's coaches and staff, were all involved in the decision.

"While we remain very supportive of Marley, the fact is he was out late, drinking, and put himself in a high risk scenario," he said.

"We believe Marley has already learnt from the incident and now recognises that he had the opportunity to make a better decision. He is certainly remorseful.

"Hopefully, the next 10 weeks will impress upon him the need to uphold the values and standards of the Collingwood Football Club."

Williams joined Collingwood as a rookie in 2012. He played six matches, and was promoted to the senior list at the season's end.